Alabama Tennis Hosts UNC Friday at 4 p.m.
3/17/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
 |
|
After beginning Southeastern Conference Play two weeks ago, the University of Alabama men's tennis team will play outside of the SEC this Friday night as it hosts North Carolina at 4 p.m. at the UA Tennis Complex.
Alabama (5-8, 0-4) holds a 3-2 all-time advantage over the Tar Heels, however UNC (10-4, 1-2) defeated Alabama 4-0 last year.
The Crimson Tide slipped to No. 60 in the latest ITA rankings after losing twice last weekend. UNC also fell in this week's rankings, dropping six places to No. 43.
Alabama's Luigi D'Agord will go for back-to-back wins Friday night for the first time since January 30. D'Agord found the winning touch last Sunday against Mississippi State's Luiz Carvalho, winning in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5. D'Agord is 21-12 on the season and leads the team in victories. Billy Mertz will also be looking for his sixth win in his last eight matches Friday. Mertz has 18 wins this season as a freshman and has been a huge contributor in the middle of the Tide's line-up.
UNC enters Friday's match on a two-match losing streak. The Tar Heels lost 4-3 to No. 32 Clemson last weekend. It was the second straight 4-3 loss for UNC.
